Louie Ramirez hit 17 points for the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas, who repulsed the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 25-23, 29-27, 28-26, earlier at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The win allowed the Altas to stay unbeaten after eight matches in the 95th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s volleyball tournament. It also snapped the Generals’ unbeaten streak and put the Altas in solo second with a 7-1 win-loss slate.
Kennry Malinis and Roniel Rosales provided 17 points for the Altas, who moved closer to an outright finals’ berth.
The Generals took a 22-18 lead in the final set.
But the Altas settled down just in time to take score the last eight points.
Emotions were high during the final set, but coach Sammy Acaylar just reminded the team to remain focused.
“Kasama kasi diyan ‘yung intimidation ng kalaban. Medyo naka-focus sila sa kantyaw ng kalaban kaya nawala ‘yung kanilang focus. So sabi ko, ‘Back to normal. Back to basic. Just play and enjoy the game,’” said Acaylar
In women’s action, the Lady Altas overcame a gutsy stand from Emilio Aguinaldo College, 20-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-17, to get a grip on solo third.
The Lady Altas, behind Dana Persa and Jenny Gaviola with 11 and 10 points, respectively, climbed to 6-2 to firm up their hold on solo third.
This put them ahead of idle San Beda, which totes a 5-2 card.